DAZN has listened to calls to make their content more accessible by inking a deal with Sky to have their very own channel – although the announcement has been clouded by what it means for their current crop of subscribers.
The service – which is partnered with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing in the UK and Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions in the States – has been exclusively available up until this point as an app for all devices.
In a major step forward for the sport’s UK audience, the media company announced that it would be available on Sky channel 429 from this month onwards.
“Dazn Group, the global sports entertainment platform, today announces the launch of DAZN 1 HD in the UK and Ireland on channel 429 on Sky …
“From 23 March, DAZN 1 HD will show a 24/7 unrivalled schedule of live and catch-up content, including the ultimate UK boxing line up with 50 fights a year featuring international superstars like Anthony Joshua, Canelo Alvarez, Katie Taylor and Ryan Garcia, alongside a daily dose of boxing news on the DAZN Boxing Show.
“The non-stop programming will also include DAZN’s trailblazing tie up with KSI’s Misfits Boxing – the X Series, a new era of crossover boxing featuring the biggest names in entertainment, sport and lifestyle headlining blockbuster fight nights.”
Anthony Joshua – who is one of DAZN’s biggest stars – had this to say about the development.
“The launch of DAZN 1 HD on channel 429 will make it even easier for fans to access my return to the ring on Saturday 1 April against Jermaine Franklin. Make sure you tune in for a spectacular night of boxing.”
The news comes after former Matchroom fighter, Joshua Buatsi, criticised DAZN for not getting enough eyeballs compared to stalwarts of boxing broadcasting, Sky Sports.
The light heavyweight contender said a big reason for his move to BOXXER and Sky was the fact that DAZN was only available through an app.
Another way to watch DAZN in the UK and Ireland 🇬🇧🇮🇪
DAZN 1 HD – Channel 429 on Sky from March 23 pic.twitter.com/EphioWg404
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) March 16, 2023
Whilst the announcement is good news for bars looking to show the boxing as well as fans who hadn’t bought into the app, current subscribers were left confused as to the terms of the new channel.
Those who have already signed up for an Annual Pass (£99.99 per year) or Monthly Saver (£9.99 per month) will not have access to DAZN 1 HD.
On the terms, DAZN suggests current Annual Pass users sign up for two accounts.
“We apologise for the inconvenience. We recommend you continue watching via the DAZN app on your big screen.
Alternatively, you can watch DAZN 1 HD on your Sky+HD or Sky Q box (channel 429) if you sign up here with a new account. You’ll be billed twice though, due to having two active subscriptions. Your current subscription is paid up front for a year and any remaining months can’t be combined or carried across to a new DAZN account.”
Many fans took to social media to voice their confusion and anger at the decision to announce this update after they were sold an annual pass with an upfront fee.
One said it was yet another botched announcement on the part of the media giant, whilst others claimed that watching via the app presented streaming issues that the Sky channel likely wouldn’t. These complaints were outweighing the praise for the decision, for which there was some.
Whilst on paper it’s a step forward for DAZN’s UK exposure, a large portion of the fan reaction isn’t ideal.